Manolas is among a number of players under consideration but it is understood that a formal enquiry has been made for the 23-year-old, who played every minute of Greece’s run to the World Cup last 16 in Brazil.

Club scouts watched Manolas during the tournament and reported positively back to Wenger, who has sanctioned an approach to the Greek club.

Italian champions Juventus are also interested but indications are that Manolas would prefer a move to England, even though he would not be a first-choice selection, with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny now established at centre-back.

Arsenal v Crystal Palace: Player Ratings

Arsenal v Crystal Palace: Player Ratings

1/26
Szczesny: 6

Could do little for the goal, but looked uncomfortable late on as Palace searched for an equaliser.

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2/26
Debuchy: 8

The summer signing from Newcastle got down the flank well and was solid defensively.

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3/26
Chambers: 7

Rewarded Wenger’s trust with a comfortable performance at centre back. His pace was an important asset against Fraser Campbell. Booked.

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4/26
Koscielny: 7

Mixed fortunes. Having lost Hangeland for the goal with poor marking, he returned the favour 10 minutes later with a smart equaliser from an Alexis free kick.

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5/26
Gibbs: 5

Disappointing first half during which he gave away some needless fouls. Subbed off with a hamstring injury on 53 minutes.

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6/26
Wilshere: 6

Was lively in the first half and showed god endeavour going forward. Tested Speroni with low drive. Subbed after 68 minutes.

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7/26
Arteta: 6

Neat link-up play and marshalled the midfield well from a deeper role but didn’t offer enough going forward.

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8/26
Alexis Sanchez: 7

Provided a dangerous free kick from which Koscielny scored and looked comfortable with pace of Premier League but didn’t have many chances to run at the opposition defence.

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9/26
Ramsey: 7

Bundled in a loose ball in the six-yard box for his side’s late winner. Given plenty of freedom to roam by Wilshere and Arteta.

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10/26
Cazorla: 5

Found pockets of space but dwelt on the ball too often and was booked as he tired in the second half. Booked.

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11/26
Sanogo: 6

Cause a nuisance with his strength but offered little by way of end product. Subbed for Giroud after 60 minutes.

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12/26
Monreal: 6

Replaced Gibbs on 53 minutes and offered more in attack with some dangerous balls into the box.

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13/26
Giroud: 7

Got the touch to knock the ball to Ramsey for the winner, but will offer more as he regains match fitness.

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14/26
Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6

Replaced Wilshere but was unable to make a major impact.

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15/26
Speroni: 5

Could do little for the first goal but would have like to have commanded his six-yard box better for the winner.

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16/26
Kelly: 7

Worked diligently down the flank and was solid defensively. Booked for challenge on Alexis.

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17/26
Dann: 6

A physical presence and part of a dogged Palace back four but struggled as the game wore on and was subbed on 74 minutes.

18/26
Hangeland: 6

Beat Koscielny to net an excellent first half glancing header, but was at fault for Arsenal’s first goal and was careless in possession.

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19/26
Ward: 6

Worked hard and coped with the threat of Cazorla and Alexis reasonably comfortably.

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20/26
Puncheon: 5

Careless in possession but managed to stop Arsenal’s midfield three controlling the game as much as they’d have liked. Sent off for second yellow on 88 minutes after a careless challenge on Monreal.

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21/26
Jedinak: 8

Pulled the strings for Palace. Always looked to play the ball forward and put in a shift defensively to bot.

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22/26
Ledley: 6

Pinned back by Debuchy for much of the game, but worked hard defensively.

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23/26
Bolasie: 6

Put in a big shift, but was unable to get on the ball and create chances for the strikers.

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24/26
Chamakh: 8

Made a real nuisance of himself as Arsenal’s centre backs struggled to deal with his strength. Unlucky to be on losing side.

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25/26
Campbell: 6

Stretched the Arsenal defence on the break at times, but had little end product despite plenty of running.

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26/26
Delaney: 6

Provided fresh legs and could do little about Ramsey’s winner.

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Olympiakos are thought to want around £8m for Manolas but Arsenal believe a deal at a lower price is possible. Tonight’s play-off first leg match against Besiktas will go some way to determining whether Arsenal can offer the player Champions League football — Olympiakos have already qualified for the group stage.